FN 509 Trigger Kit Update

Let me start off with stating a simple truth. Apex has been promising a trigger for the FN 509 pistol for about two years, and we will deliver. The long development time have frustrated those customers that are beyond eager for an Apex upgrade.

We understand your frustration because we share it. However, our process here at Apex is not like that of others in our segment of the industry.

At Apex we start from a purely engineering approach to design, which is influenced by both our experience as shooters and as master gunsmiths. We know how to get you a great feeling trigger, but as engineers we adhere to an aggressive level of product testing and quality control.

For instance, Apex invested in a high-speed camera for filming our drop-tests so we could see exactly what was happening to the gun at impact and on the rebound. We also increased our drop height to six feet, and instead of dropping on to plywood on concrete, we drop directly on to the concrete. We’ve also been expanding the temperature range in which we conduct those drop-tests to determine the effect high and low temperatures will have on the materials we use.

Speaking of materials, Apex puts a great deal of thought into the materials selected for the parts we make. To insure the quality of the materials we use we recently implemented a strict certification process to insure our vendors are delivering the proper materials.

These are standard practices with the larger manufacturers in our industry but are time consuming and costly for smaller companies like ours.

However, we have a standard to meet here at Apex and it’s the one we set.

So, what does that mean for the FN 509 project? Glad you asked. The Apex FN 509 trigger kit will include the following Apex manufactured components:

The trigger bar is in full production and currently out to finishing. Once they arrive back from finishing our quality control team will conduct final inspection and laser engrave the trigger bars so they are ready for assembly.

The trigger body itself is waiting on the finalization of the polymer safety and safety spring. Using our high speed camera during drop testing we discovered the trigger safety bounces more than is acceptable according to our specification. We presently have new trigger springs being made for testing, if those springs work as intended, we will proceed with spring and safety manufacturing. But, we won’t know how effectively the spring works until we have it in the gun for drop-testing.

The sear is being folded now by our stamping vendor. If all works properly, we can use the sear to finalize the trigger body pre-travel and over-travel stops to our specified dimensions.

When all three of those elements are in place we will begin testing again. If we discover a problem, we will come up with a solution, implement it and test again. This is how research and development goes when you actually do your own R&D.

Apex’s specifications for products are very firm when it comes to quality and function. We will not budge on these things, the process to design, develop and manufacture our products will take as long as it takes to earn a place in the gun at your side.

As for a projected release date, we’re shooting for a late summer release and we realize that summer is here and every day we get closer and closer to that end date. Can I promise you we’ll meet that deadline? No, because meeting a deadline is not our goal. Meeting our own demands for quality and function, as well as your expectations when it comes to performance, is our goal. And it’s not until we meet that goal that we’ll release the Action Enhancement Kit for the FN 509.

Comments

This trigger kit will also work in the FNS line of pistols, correct? FNS, FNS-C and FNS-L?

paul - July 16, 2018 @ 9:05 am

We have one for the FN 509 and one for the FNS.

Joe - July 16, 2018 @ 10:13 am

How realistic is the late summer release date? Obviously safety and reliability are primary concerns, but I wold like to know where to set my own expectations.

Justin R - July 18, 2018 @ 7:48 pm

Thank you for the detailed, and honest update. It is great to see that high quality standards are top priority, instead of forced deadlines just to get a product out ASAP.

paul - July 20, 2018 @ 7:53 am

We won’t know until we test everything.

James - July 20, 2018 @ 9:39 pm

Going to be sweet!

Andrew - July 21, 2018 @ 2:53 pm

It’s really aggravating seriously. We watch Youtubers hail how magnificent these triggers are. Yet we have no clue nor a product to try ourselves. Honestly I’m just tired of waiting. You guy shouldn’t have even announced the trigger if it was going to take over 2 years to bring to market.

AJ - July 29, 2018 @ 6:05 pm

Can we have a CURVED trigger plz?

Tony - August 1, 2018 @ 3:30 pm

What is the overall reduction in trigger pull weight? Will it be similar to the M&Ps 3.5 to 4 pound pull?

paul - August 6, 2018 @ 9:17 am

It has not been finalized. However, the M&P system is entirely different than the FN 509 system. It is not an apples to apples comparison between the two pistols. Additionally, we offer our patented Forward Set System for the M&P. The kit for the FN 509 will be an Action Enhancement Kit.

Mike - August 6, 2018 @ 6:57 pm

Will we be able to use the stock trigger shoe if we like that more?
I’m a big fan of the stock shoe.

paul - August 7, 2018 @ 7:38 am

No, you have to use the full kit – trigger, trigger bar, sear – in order to get the improved trigger pull performance.

T from NH - August 8, 2018 @ 9:18 pm

Honestly I could wait until next year if it meant getting a top quality product from top quality people. This update was refreshingly open, you just don’t get that kind of honesty from manufacturers ANYWHERE without lots of patronizing verbage and hollow reassurances.
Thank you Scott, and as anxious as we are to set our 509s apart from the crowds, I’m sure the satisfaction and reliance the kits will afford us will shut down any doubts or disbelievers.

Hail the Flatty.

Scott - August 17, 2018 @ 7:42 am

Still looking forward to this and happy to wait for a quality solution. Thank you for thoroughly testing and getting it right before putting it out. I’ll be in line for two when you release the trigger.

Shiro - August 21, 2018 @ 12:00 pm

Only reason im keeping my 509 is because of your trigger. I was going to turn around and sell it late last year, but once I found out about your trigger, I decided to hold on to it.

Im waiting very patiently for this trigger and hope it clears of the major issues that the 509 FCG has.

Looking forward to it…

Ron - August 25, 2018 @ 4:18 am

Any idea of the MSRP? Really looking forward to this clearly a shut up and take my money moment!

Alex Waltman - August 27, 2018 @ 8:32 am

Been looking forward to this trigger for over a year now and I will happily wait to ensure a top quality product. Is there a way to receive an email when these are available to preorder/sale?

SY - August 27, 2018 @ 12:05 pm

Does this trigger kit work with the new released FN 509 Tactical

SY - August 27, 2018 @ 12:06 pm

Does this trigger kit work with the new released FN 509 Tactical?

JP - August 28, 2018 @ 1:45 pm

Yes…… Please give us a pre-order option so we can get it as quickly as possible. I’m quickly growing tired of my 509 tactical because the trigger is honestly the worst one I own. I was expecting a mediocre trigger from the reviews when I ordered it, but I never thought it would be as bad as it really is.

R.L. - August 30, 2018 @ 11:34 am

Thank you for working on this and thank you for not making us – the customers – your R&D department. There are a few manufacturers (some aftermarket, some of the big gun makers themselves) who want to leave R&D to the purchaser.
We wait with baited breath.

scott - September 2, 2018 @ 8:19 am

So far, in testing it has been working properly.

scott - September 2, 2018 @ 8:25 am

We held off on the release of this trigger for a lot of reasons we will not get into with our customers. Did we announce it a bit prematurely? Sure! We also found many flaws in our original design which took a lot of R&D time to address and correct. If the time line is too long for you or others, we welcome you to design, develop and manufacture your own. In the 2 years we’ve been talking about this, somebody could have come up with something by now.

mike - September 4, 2018 @ 6:13 pm

just wondering will this trigger work on the 509 tactical if so i cant wait😁

Derek - September 4, 2018 @ 7:06 pm

Yes! Will it work with the 509 tactical is exactly what I’m wondering as well. Also was wondering about preorders! Thanks!

Scott E. - September 5, 2018 @ 7:16 pm

I love my two Glock triggers and you guys are top notch for customer service. John took great care of me with my G43 trigger and I couldn’t be happier. I’m sure you will get it figured out soon and everyone will forget the wait after they get theirs. I do think you should consider a pre-order once you are closer, as the demand seems high. Wouldn’t want to disappoint further by not having enough made at time of release, pre-order would give you a good estimate at least.

Allen - September 5, 2018 @ 8:32 pm

I can’t wait for this trigger to come out! I’m glad you announced way early so we know its at least in the works, even though it feels like a six year old waiting for Christmas to arrive.
Thank you. And please hurry!!!!!!!

Dennis T - September 8, 2018 @ 8:08 am

I am also waiting for a new trigger. The sooner the better. My gunsmith could not do a lot with the trigger, he said it as complicated with extra parts. The 509 tactical has the worst trigger of any gun I own. I thought for sure either Apex or my gunsmith could fix the trigger, or I would not have bought this $900 piece of steel.

Charlie Dismore - September 12, 2018 @ 8:14 pm

Please let me know when the new FN 509 Tactical trigger is ready to be sold. This component is my only problem with the pistol. All else is working very well. And on the trigger, here’s hoping the trigger will be flat without the need of a sharp trigger safety sticking out in the middle. Those tend to be a tad uncomfortable during extended shooting sessions.

Thanks,

Charlie

scott - September 13, 2018 @ 7:23 am

Make sure to sign up for our newsletter and find our Apex Tactical Owner’s Group on Facebook for up to date information.

scott - September 13, 2018 @ 7:24 am

Very soon. And We will be offering Pre-Orders as soon as they’re announced. Make sure to sign up for the news letter.